Women's mental health gives rise to many unique experiences and challenges that may cause emotional distress throughout their lifespan. One of the most crucial is hormonal changes that take place at various stages of the woman's life, like menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. These fluctuations might lead to increasing mood variation, anxiety, and depression in different stages of women's lives. Postpartum depression, as experienced more distinctly by the mother, is severe and includes feelings of loss, anxiety, and exhaustion after giving birth. In part, it is due to hormonal changes, lack of adequate sleep, and a new role adjustment in the mother's life.
Similarly, anxiety within the perinatal period and postpartum psychosis are other conditions that women may experience either in the period of pregnancy or after, which entails immediate support and help. Moreover, trauma can also deeply impact women's mental health relating to sexual assault, domestic violence, or childhood abuse. For example, trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder may manifest the symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness that prevent them from functioning well and relating with other people healthily.
Additionally, societal expectations and gender roles and expectations put women under much pressure, strain them, lower their self-esteem, cause body-image issues, and bring about challenges in balancing the competing demands of career, caring for families, and caregiving duties. All these, therefore, make access to quality mental health care vital for women if they will find their way to coping with all the challenges. Accessibility, however, is hindered by stigma, cultural norms, and systemic barriers.
The importance of recognizing mental health services as culturally competent and gender-sensitive cannot be overemphasized in meeting needs and experiences peculiar to women for their well-being. Psychotherapy may be a significant help in supporting mental health problems that females may face. Therapy allows female clients to gain insight into themselves and learn how to cope with their thoughts, connected emotions, and experiences in safe, nonjudgmental settings, thereby starting the processes of improvement and healing.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD, also known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is an intense form of PMS that produces various emotional and physical symptoms and affects 10% of Women. The symptoms of PMDD include Depressed mood, persistent sadness, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, hot flashes at night or the feeling of being on edge all the time. Symptoms show up around one to two weeks before the period and stop after the period arrives. It is not sure what causes PMDD but various factors like an abnormal reaction to regular hormone changes every menstrual cycle, family history of PMS or PMDD, personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders, and women who smoke Cigarette plays an important role.
Symptoms of PMDD are as follow -
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or low mood
- Elevated anxiety, worry, or a constant sense of being on edge
- Changes in mood
- Self-deprecating ideas and heightened susceptibility to rejection
- Regular or unexpected crying
- Heightened irritation, rage, or both
- Disagreement with friends, family, or coworkers
- Diminished interest in routine activities
- Difficulties focusing
- Drowsiness, exhaustion, or low energy
- Disturbed appetite, including overeating, binge eating, or food cravings
- Disturbed sleep, such as sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
- Overwhelming emotions
- Physical symptoms include headaches, pains in the joints or muscles, weight gain, bloating, and increased breast size or tenderness.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Physical exercise and diet - Any form of physical activity for at least 20-30 min a day can help manage the symptoms of PMDD. Following a healthy diet and limiting caffeine intake can help reduce and manage physical symptoms.
Stress management - It is crucial to navigate daily stressors and spend more time in activities that help you feel relaxed like having a nice bath, self-care or watching your comfort movie.
Medication - Hormonal imbalance or physical symptoms like headache, nausea, cramps, and breast tenderness can be managed with the help of medication. It can also help elevate low mood and energy. Remember, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Psychotherapy - psychologist or therapist can help you identify and change negative thoughts, behaviour or distressing emotions with the help of talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most used and beneficial treatment for PMDD.
PMDD is a more severe type of premenstrual syndrome known as PMS. Subsequently, the cause of PMDD is still not known precisely. What differentiates PMDD from most other conditions of mood or menstruation problems is when the onset and duration of its symptoms occur. Symptoms of PMDD are such that it impacts the individual’s functioning at home, work, or in relationships. PMDD can be easily managed through lifestyle changes and with the help of a mental health professional. If you feel that you may have PMDD, then it is essential to see a mental health professional, to define this condition and help you look into a treatment plan that would bring normalcy to your life by finding the right treatment option for PMDD.
Menopause
Menopausal is a very emotional journey and also it affects our physical and mental health. Menopause is a natural part of the Female Lifecycle, which usually takes place between the ages of 45 and 55. While it is a marker of the cessation of bleeding, it also entails a cascade of hormonal changes that affect every aspect of physical and mental health. it's essential to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate some of the mental health problems that can and regularly do accompany menopause.
Major Psychological Issues Affecting Women During Menopause
Mood Swings: Sometimes, these hormonal changes may lead to unexpectedly powerful and erratic mood swings in women, placing them on a rollercoaster of emotions. Decreased issues and improved stress and anxiety issue sensations load our heads.
Depression: Menopause is often associated with feelings of sadness or fatigue and loss of interest in activities that are daily.
Sleep disturbances: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, increase symptoms of insomnia, and contribute to fatigue which in turn makes mood problems worse.
Sexual problems: Urinary discomfort, decreased libido or discomfort during sex, irregular periods, breast tenderness and worsening PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Three Tips for Navigating Menopause with Mental Wellness
Educate Yourself: Knowledge is Power. Knowing that menopausal symptoms can affect your mental health will surely alleviate some of that anxiety and fear.
Use Professional Help: A licensed mental health counsellor can help you navigate change and the emotions attached to it.
A Healthy Lifestyle: Set times for exercising, follow a balanced diet, and ensure you get 8 hours of sleep, can significantly help boost your mood and energy levels. Have a practice of mindfulness based on yoga, and meditation.
